Blue and White: Northern Falcons

Over the years, the likes of Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Cameron White have come through the pathway system to represent Australia at the highest level.              

Established as a key component of the talent identification system, we commence our preview of the 16 regions in the lead up to this year’s Victorian Bushrangers Pathway Championships.

Northern Falcons

Under-18s

Coach – Kevin Lowe

2012-13 Finish – Preliminary Final

Under-16s

Coach – Luke Money

2012-13 Finish – Champions

Under-14s

Coach – Jeff Callaway

2012-13 Finish – Preliminary Final

The Northern Falcons have traditionally been a strong force in the Victorian Bushrangers Pathway Championships, claiming titles as recently as last year.

With preliminary squads having been selected, North Metro Regional Cricket Manager David Hall believes the Falcons have great potential to bring success in all three age groups – particularly the under-18s.

“We should do well, as all players in the squad have played in a Dowling Shield,” Hall said.

“It’s winning the key moments that make a difference. The players are well known to us at this level.

“At under-18 level, Ejaaz Alavi is playing in the Futures League, Liam Banthorpe shows great promise and Matthew Bulleen is a promising fast bowler.

Despite the coaches’ previous knowledge of those picked in the initial squad, Hall stated that club form would be a major factor in selecting the final squad of 13.

“A major consideration is each player’s progression within the club system,” he said.

“We like to think this competition provides a platform for each individual to progress their standing within their club. Our coaches will determine the roles they will play and select accordingly after the second training session.”

At under-16 level, coach Luke Money will be looking to replicate the successes of last year’s squad.

“Obviously last year we had a really good team with a lot of depth,” Money said.

“Ben Roughsedge is a promising player with both bat and ball.

“We only have two players from that side and you can’t replace a Banthorpe or a (Jacob) Ireland but we have a lot of talent in our remaining 20.

“I have high hopes for us again this up-coming carnival.”

Although winning is at the forefront of Money’s mind, giving opportunities to those deserving is key to his philosophy as a coach.

“I’m pretty sure we had seven or eight kids last year that had never played representative cricket before,” Money said.

“So giving those kids a taste of the next level is vital, as it might be their last opportunity to participate before senior cricket and help further their cricketing knowledge.”

Like the under-16s, the under-14s sport a relatively new squad, with only one player having played representative cricket last season.

“At under-14 level, Connor Rutland played state under-12 level and is the only player who played at this level last season,” Hall said.

“In saying that, there are some exciting prospects coming through.

“At their age, this is like Test Cricket to them. But we’ll look at who we reckon will be there come time to play under-18s.

“We’ll also select some of the bigger, stronger kids so that we have players who can break a game open.”

For more information on the Victorian Bushrangers Pathway, click here.